cameo from James Gunn. Centered on the psychiatrist turned antihero Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco), the series wrapped season 3 in September and season 4 has already been renewed. Season 3 saw some massive trials and tribulations for Harley and her best friend/lover Poison Ivy (Lake Bell), but the two ultimately continued their romance by the end.
Despite the two characters finally affirming their love for one another, season 3 featured some trouble in paradise that could cause problems for "Harlivy" in the long run. Season 3 saw Harley realize that she is more of an antihero than a villain due to her innate desire to help rather than hurt or kill others. With Harley working firmly alongside the Bat Family now and Ivy leaning into her villainous ways by accepting a position to lead the Legion of Doom, it's difficult to imagine how the two lovers will make their relationship work, despite their continued commitment to one another. Though a release date hasn't been announced for season 4, viewers could be getting some answers about the coupe sooner than expected.
A press release from WarnerMedia has confirmed the release of a Valentine's Day special for the animated series, set for February 2023. Featuring Harley and Ivy as they celebrate their first Valentine's Day as a couple, the special will also reveal how other characters in the series choose to spend the holiday. Titled HARLEY QUINN: A VERY PROBLEMATIC VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL, the voice cast will include Cuoco, Bell, Alan Tudyk (Joker/Clayface), James Wolk (Superman), Natalie Morales (Lois Lane), Matt Oberg (Kite Man), Chris Diamantopoulos (Aquaman), James Adomian (Bane/Clock King), Jim Rash (The Riddler), Vanessa Marshall (Wonder Woman), Rachel Dratch (Nora Freeze), Michael Ironside (Darkseid), and many others. The special will also include new characters voiced by Janet Varney, Leila Birch, Tyler James Williams, Josh Helman, and Casey Wilson.
How Harley Quinn's Valentine's Day Can Set Up Season 4
The press release confirmed that the Valentine's Day special will be executive produced in part by Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker, whose duties will be taken over by Sarah Peters in Harley Quinn season 4 as the series takes on a new creative team. The extra episode could function as a final foray for the current creative team, as well as a celebration of Harley and Ivy's relationship ahead of the potentially turbulent season 4. Though it's unlikely that much will change in the series with the new creative team due to Peters' involvement in the production of the first three seasons, it's possible that the Valentine's Day special will act as a farewell to the previous chapter of Harley Quinn on the plot front as season 4 explores Harley's journey on the heroic side of things.
Based on the title of the Valentine's Day special, which highlights the "problematic" nature of the bonus episode, it's possible that the special will set up season 4 by signaling the potential cracks in "Harlivy's" relationship. The photo released along with the announcement seems to hint at that possibility, with Harley looking concerned as she sits beside Ivy in a romantic setting. Harley might be facing typical first Valentine's Day nerves, or perhaps the couple working against one another professionally and having different philosophies on violence are causing issues for Harley morally. While the Harley Quinn Valentine's Day special will likely offer a light and upbeat exploration of the series' most important relationship, it could indicate trouble for the couple down the line in season 4.
Source: WarnerMedia